Spada Lake - Culmback Dam
Central CascadesBest Apr–Nov
A short walk to Culmback Dam and Spada Lake with options to extend into the Sultan Basin backcountry.
About This Trail
Spada Lake is the drinking water reservoir for the city of Everett, and the area around Culmback Dam offers a quick, easy walk with surprisingly good views. Cross the dam for a look at the lake and surrounding peaks, then wander over to the North Shore picnic area or Bear Creek overlook. A beaver pond sits near the trailhead, and the overlook benches are a fine spot for lunch.
The real appeal here is the gateway potential. The short dam walk connects to the Sultan River Canyon Trail, and the road system provides access to Greider Lakes and Boulder Lake for those wanting a longer day. Think of this as a staging area: you can do a quick stroll or use it as a launchpad for a bigger outing.
Visitors must sign in at the information kiosk before proceeding, as this is a public water supply watershed managed by Snohomish County PUD. Swimming in the lake is prohibited. The gravel road to the trailhead is 13 miles from Sultan, with the last 3 miles unpaved. No pass required, but check seasonal road closures in winter and early spring.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“We did this hike when the road to another hike was unexpectedly closed.”
Last report: Mar 29, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Seasonal road closures can gate access in winter/early spring
- Unpaved road last 3 miles requires appropriate vehicle
Getting There
Large parking lot near the trailhead with plenty of space. Must sign in at the information kiosk before proceeding. Restroom facilities available. No pass required.
From Everett, take Highway 2 east to Sultan. At the traffic light past milepost 23, turn left (north) onto Sultan Basin Road. Drive 13.25 miles (pavement ends at 10.25 miles) to the information kiosk. Sign in, then proceed 500 feet to the Y intersection and take the right branch to the trailhead.
No timing pressure for the short dam walk. If combining with Greider Lakes or Sultan River Canyon, start earlier to allow for the longer outing. The access road is fine for any vehicle in dry conditions.
Recent Reports
We did this hike when the road to another hike was unexpectedly closed. We decided to park and try to do any hike we could find.
My original plan today was to hike the south end of Spada Lake, but the road was still gated for the season forcing me to choose a nearby alternative. I arrived at around 9:20am and parked near the gated forest road that leads to the Sultan River Canyon trail.
My first January hike and it was both worth the effort and a minor challenge. Thought I would be more likely to have a passable road and a less snowy trail in Sultan, so I did the Sultan River Canyon and wandered over and up past the dam as well.
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